Sanding Tape Clip and Methods of Use

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention include methods of use of a clip or other securing device to create a loop of sandpaper that can be slid down a user&#39;s arm or wrist when not in use. The apparatus is a clip, adhesive, or other device that is used to maintain a strip of sandpaper in a loop. The loop of sandpaper is held with the abrasive side outward, and is used to sand an object. 
     After the object is sanded, the user moves the loop of sandpaper to a position around the user&#39;s arm, freeing the user to perform a different task. When the sandpaper strip is needed again, the user moves the sandpaper up the user&#39;s arm and again places the loop of sandpaper in the user&#39;s hand, to sand an object, where the object can be a different object or the same object previously sanded. This process can continue many times until the user no longer needs to use the sandpaper.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/296,556 filed on Jan. 20, 2010, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to sanding tape clips and more particularly to methods of using sanding tape clips with sanding tape for convenient and efficient sanding of surfaces in the workplace.

2. Description of Related Art

The use of sandpaper, sanding tape, plumber's cloth, or other abrasive materials is well known in the plumbing and general construction fields. Sandpaper, consisting of a sheet of paper, cloth, or other material with an abrasive surface is used to smooth or score various surfaces. Sanding tape is sandpaper formed in a long thin strip that is usually rolled for ease of packaging. Sandpaper may be used herein to refer to any form of abrasive commonly used in the art, including without limitation sanding tape. Sandpaper can be held in a user's hand and rubbed against a surface to remove a portion of the surface of the object being sanded. Additionally, various sandpaper holders and motorized sanders exist to aid in the use of sanding surfaces.

Specifically, in regard to plumbing and pipefitting, sandpaper is used to prepare surfaces, such as the end surface of pipes to prepare for connecting pipes, or other plumbing fixtures. In many cases, the surface of a pipe must be scored and cleaned of debris to create a uniformly rough surface for the application of adhesive. Furthermore, metal materials require sanding before welding to ensure the surfaces are clean, and to help insure a strong weld. Accordingly, sandpaper, also known as plumber's cloth is used to sand such surfaces.

The sandpaper usually used by plumbers and pipefitters typically comes in a narrow strip, usually an inch and one half (1.5″) wide. However, the width of the strip can vary. The strips come in long rolls and the user usually tears or cuts off a portion of the sandpaper strip for use. Ordinarily, a worker uses the sandpaper strip for its designated purpose; then, in order to move on to another task, the worker ordinarily discards or lets go of the sandpaper strip. This allows the user's hands to be free to proceed to take some other action, such as attaching two pipes together. Since the next step after sanding potentially requires the use of other tools or holding other pieces, the sandpaper is usually dropped or released by the worker so as to free up both hands for the next task. Many issues can occur once the sandpaper is released from the user's hand. First, there may not be a convenient location to place the sandpaper, and oftentimes the sandpaper may be placed on the ground. Furthermore, the sandpaper may easily be lost, covered up, or damaged when it is not in use. For example, if work is being performed outside, wind can blow the sandpaper away. Finally, the user may be inconvenienced in having to find the sandpaper for its next use, especially if the user must hold tools or other objects at the same time. As a result, the released sandpaper strip is often discarded and not used again, even though it could be. Discarding sandpaper strip after strip may result in waste through the unnecessary use of additional sandpaper, with a worker going through an entire roll of sandpaper in a short time. Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods and apparatus for using and storing sandpaper strips to avoid waste and to provide for more convenient and efficient use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Exemplary Embodiment

Embodiments of the present invention include methods that use a clip or other securing device to create a loop of sandpaper that can be slid down the user's wrist when not in use. Embodiments of an apparatus of the present invention include a clip, adhesive, or other device that is used to maintain a strip of sandpaper in a loop. The loop of sandpaper is held with the abrasive side outward, and is used to sand an object. After the object is sanded, the user may move the loop of sandpaper to a position around the user's wrist, or arm (like one would do with a bracelet) in order to perform a different task (e.g., one not using the sandpaper strip). The user may later move the sandpaper up the user's wrist and again place the loop of sandpaper in the user's hand in order to sand the object previously sanded or a different object. This process can continue many times until the user no longer requires the use the sandpaper, or until the sandpaper wears out.

In a preferred embodiment, a clip of the present invention may have a flat surface extending a distance greater than the width of the sandpaper strip. Extending outward from the flat surface, are at least two prongs. The prongs extend from the ends of the flat surface and face the center of the surface, and create enough clearance to allow at least two layers of sandpaper to slide into the gap created between each prong and the flat surface of the clip. The user then obtains or creates a narrow strip of sandpaper. The sandpaper should be wide enough to sand the object without creating difficulties to the user. In a preferred embodiment, the sandpaper strip is one and a half (1.5) inches wide. However, in alternative embodiments, the width of the sandpaper can be greater or smaller than one and a half (1.5) inches wide. It is to be appreciated that in preferred embodiments, the flat surface and prongs should be sized so as to accommodate the width of the sandpaper strip to be used.

The length of the sandpaper strip can vary, however the length of the strip should be more than the circumference of a loop that will pass comfortably over the hand and arm of the user. The strip of sandpaper is formed into a loop such that the first end and second ends of the sandpaper strip overlap. The clip is then used to fix or secure the strip of sandpaper in the shape of a loop. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by engaging the prongs at the overlapping portion of the strip. In preferred embodiments, one prong of the clip is passed over one edge of the first and second ends of the sandpaper strip. Then, the other edge of the first and second ends is placed under the other prong of clip.

In alternative embodiments, a clip, such as a paperclip, can slide over the first and second ends of the sandpaper strip and secure the strips together by way of a clamping force. In further embodiments, an adhesive can be used to secure the first and second ends of the strip together to form a loop. In still further embodiments, adhesive tape can be used to secure the first and second ends together to form a loop. In still further embodiments, an integrated loop of sandpaper can be used, thereby eliminating the need to secure the first and second ends of the sandpaper together. In still further embodiments, Velcro or snaps can be used to secure the strip of sandpaper in a loop, and thereby allow the user the ability to easily adjust the size of the loop or detach the ends of the strip from each other with ease. In still further embodiments, one or more staples can secure the first and second ends together to form a loop. In still further embodiments, one or more safety pins can be used to secure the first and second ends together to form a loop.

Exemplary Method of Use

In a preferred method of use, the user places loop of sandpaper over the user's hand, with a portion of the abrasive side of the loop of sandpaper facing outward from the user's palm. The user can grip the sandpaper in a manner convenient to the user depending on the object to be sanded. The user then applies the abrasive surface of the sandpaper to the surface of an object to sand the object for the given purpose determined by the user. If the abrasive side of the sandpaper becomes used or worn, so that the sandpaper no longer sands appropriately, the user can rotate the loop of sandpaper in his hand so an unused section of the sandpaper is facing outward from the user's palm and resume sanding.

Once the user has completed sanding, the user then lowers the loop of sandpaper down his or her hand and wrist, so that the sandpaper loop rests around the user's arm. This allows the user to keep the sandpaper in close proximity while freeing the user's hands to perform other tasks. The loop of sandpaper remains around the user's arm based on gravitational forces. Alternatively, if the loop of sandpaper is of an appropriate size, the user can slide it down the user's wrist until it fits snugly around the user's arm, so that the sandpaper loop stays in place. In other embodiments, the clip holding the sandpaper loop may be engaged to a convenient receptacle for temporary storage, such as without limitation, a clip holder, snap or Velcro patch on a work belt or vest.

After the user has completed one or more tasks, and again is in need of the sandpaper, the user slides the sandpaper up the user's arm and places the sandpaper back in the user' hand. The user then sands an object. This process can be repeated many times as long as the user continues to require the use of the sandpaper. When the abrasive surface of the sandpaper becomes worn and no longer useable, the strip of sandpaper can be removed from the clip, and another strip of sandpaper may be formed into a loop and engaged with the clip. Additionally, if different types of sandpaper are to be used, multiple clips can be used to create loops of each of the types of sandpaper being used.

When the sandpaper is used in the manner described herein, the user is less likely to lose or waste the sandpaper. Furthermore, the user will expend less effort to find and properly position the sandpaper, thereby increasing efficiency.

In one aspect, embodiments of the invention concern a sandpaper strip formed into a loop for ease of use and retrieval by the user. In another aspect, embodiments of the invention concern methods of forming a sandpaper strip into a loop. In a further aspect, embodiments of the invention concern methods of use of the sandpaper loop and method of storage of the sandpaper loop for quick and easy retrieval.

It is to be appreciated that the sandpaper strip loop can be easily adjustable to allow for use in various different applications and with various types of sandpaper.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention, together with methods for creation of the product, will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a clip used in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an environmental view showing an embodiment of the present invention in use.

FIG. 5 is an environmental view showing an embodiment of the present invention when not in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention, in its various aspects, will be explained in greater detail below with regard to preferred embodiments. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, the preferred embodiments themselves do not limit the scope of the invention. Rather the invention, as defined by the claims, may cover alternatives, modifications, and/or equivalents of the preferred embodiments.

An Exemplary Method for Creating a Loop of Sandpaper

By way of further example, and without limiting the scope of the invention, in some embodiments of the method, a generally rectangular strip of sandpaper is obtained. The type of sandpaper can vary in both size and coarseness, and should be determined by the user for the particular purpose or project at hand. The length of the strip should preferably be sufficient to create a loop that will comfortably slide down the user's arm. Upon obtaining the appropriate rectangular strip of sandpaper, the user creates a loop with the first end and the second end of the sandpaper overlapping, and the abrasive side of the sandpaper facing outward. In an exemplary embodiment, the clip is roughly the width of the sandpaper strip and fits on the edges of the sandpaper strip. The clip may have an elongated section, and first and second prongs, with an opening defined by the prongs into which the edges of the sandpaper strip are inserted. The clip is fixed to the sandpaper loop strip where the first and second ends overlap, thereby securing the sandpaper in the formed loop.

In some embodiments, the first and second ends of the sandpaper loop may be placed in the clip as follows: the first edge of the first and second ends of the sandpaper strip are inserted into the slot or void created by the first prong. Then the second edge of the first and second ends is inserted into the slot or void created by the first prong. The clip secures the first and second ends of the sandpaper strip together, thereby creating a loop of sandpaper.

In other embodiments, a first end of a sandpaper strip is inserted through one or more openings in a clip. Then the opposite end of the sandpaper strip is also inserted through one or more openings of the clip, forming the strip into a loop as shown in FIG. 3.

An Exemplary Method for Sanding Using a Loop of Sandpaper

Upon creation of a loop of sandpaper, the user places the sandpaper loop around his or her hand so that a portion of the strip is in the user's palm or held with the user's fingers, as shown in FIG. 4. The abrasive side of the loop of sandpaper faces outward from the user's hand as to allow the user to sand an object. The user may grip the sandpaper in a manner convenient to the user depending on the object to be sanded. The user then applies the abrasive surface of the sandpaper to the surface of an object to sand the object for the given purpose determined by the user. By applying various forces the user can score the surface of the object using the abrasive surface of the sandpaper in a manner consistent with the need of the user. The user can rotate the loop of sandpaper in the user's hand once the abrasive surface of the sandpaper is worn and no longer properly sanding.

Once the user has completed sanding, the user may lower the loop of sandpaper down the user's hand and arm, so that the sandpaper loop rests around the user's arm. This allows the user to keep the sandpaper in close proximity while freeing the user's hands to perform other tasks.

The loop of sandpaper remains around the user's arm much like a bracelet. Alternatively, if the loop of sandpaper is of an appropriate size, the user can slide it down the user's wrist until it fits snugly around the user's arm, so that the sandpaper loop stays in place, as shown in FIG. 5. Alternately, the clip holding the looped strip of sandpaper may be temporarily engaged to an appropriate receptacle on the user's person. For example, the clip may be temporarily attached to a clip holder, snap, Velcro patch or the like located at a convenient location such as on the user's work belt or vest.

After the user has completed one or more tasks, and is again in need of the sandpaper, the user slides the sandpaper up the user's arm, or disengages the clip from the receptacle, and places the sandpaper back in the user' hand. The user then sands an object. This process can be repeated many times as long as the user continues to require the use of the sandpaper. When the abrasive surface of the sandpaper becomes worn and no longer useable, the strip of sandpaper can be removed from the clip, and another strip of sandpaper looped and attached to the clip. Additionally, if different types of sandpaper are to be used, multiple clips can be used to create loops of each of the types of sandpaper being used. Using these methods, the user may sand the same object multiple times, or sand multiple objects.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited by the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but only in accordance with the appended claims when read in light of the foregoing specification. 

1. A method of sanding an object comprising the steps of: a. wrapping a first end of a rectangular strip of sandpaper around so that it overlaps a second end of said strip to form a loop with an abrasive side of the sandpaper facing outward; b. placing a first prong of a clip on a first edge of the overlapping first and second ends of the strip; c. placing a second prong of a clip on a second edge of the first and second overlapping ends of the strip to secure the sandpaper in a loop; d. placing the loop of sandpaper in a hand of a user; e. sanding an object; f. sliding the loop of sandpaper down an arm of the user; g. raising the loop of sandpaper to the hand of the user; and h. sanding an object.
 2. A method of sanding an object comprising the steps of of: a. wrapping a first end of a rectangular piece of sandpaper so that it overlaps a second end of the sandpaper to form a loop of sandpaper with an abrasive side of the sandpaper facing outward; b. securing the first end and second end of the sandpaper together to maintain the sandpaper in a loop; c. placing the loop of sandpaper in a hand of the user; d. sanding an object; e. lowering the loop of sandpaper over an arm of the user; f. raising the loop of sandpaper to the hand of the user; g. sanding the object or a second object.
 3. The method of claim 2 comprising the additional step of securing the sandpaper together with a clip comprising an elongated portion, a first prong with a first slot on a first end of the elongated section, and a second prong with a second slot on a second end of the elongated section.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the distance between the first slot and the second slot is roughly the same with as the sandpaper so that said clip attaches on a first and second edge of the sandpaper.
 5. The method of claim 4 the additional steps of removing the clip from the sandpaper after use and reusing said clip with another strip of sandpaper.
 6. The method of claim 2 wherein the sandpaper is secured together with a paperclip.
 7. The method of claim 2 wherein the sandpaper is secured together with a piece of tape.
 8. The method of claim 2 wherein the sandpaper is secured together with a staple.
 9. The method of claim 2 wherein the sandpaper is secured together with a piece of tape.
 10. The method of of claim 2 wherein the sandpaper is secured together with Velcro.
 11. The method of claim 2 comprising the additional steps of: h. lowering the loop of sandpaper over an arm of the user; i. raising the loop of sandpaper to the hand of the user; j. sanding the object, the second object or a third object.
 12. The method of claim 2 wherein the sandpaper is roughly 1.5 inches in width.
 13. The method of claim 2 wherein the sandpaper is plumber's cloth.
 14. The method of claim 2 wherein the objects being sanded are plumbing pipes or fittings.
 15. The method of claim 4 comprising the additional steps of removing the clip from the sandpaper after use and reusing the clip with a different piece of sandpaper.
 16. A method for manipulating a strip of sandpaper comprising the steps of: a. temporarily inserting a first end of said sandpaper strip into a clip; b. temporarily inserting an opposite end of said sandpaper strip into said clip thereby forming a loop of sandpaper, wherein the outer surface of said loop is rough; c. grasping said loop in a hand of a user and performing sanding using the rough portion of said strip; d. temporarily moving said loop down an arm of said user for temporary storage while at least one other task is performed; and e. moving said loop from said arm back to the hand of said user and grasping said loop to perform additional sanding.
 17. The method of claim 16 comprising the additional steps of: f. removing both ends of said strip from said clip; g. temporarily inserting a first end of a new sandpaper strip into said clip; and h. temporarily inserting an opposite end of said new strip into said clip thereby forming a new loop of sandpaper, wherein the outer surface of said loop is rough. 